Crown Media Adds to Communications Team

STUDIO CITY: Mark J. Kern is returning to Crown Media Holdings, after having served as a founding executive of Hallmark Channel, as senior VP of communications and media relations.

Kern most recently provided media and public relations, corporate communications and publicity services as an independent communications consultant. His clients included Ovation TV and ReelzChannel, Sparkler Entertainment Ventures, Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video Digital Media and Broadway Video Entertainment, The Hatchery and Burke, Rix, Hines & Associates. Prior to that, he served as founding senior VP of communications and publicity for Hallmark Channel, and VP of corporate public relations for FOX Broadcasting Company. Kern will report to William J. Abbott, the president and CEO.

“I am thrilled that Mark will be a key part of the executive leadership team of the Hallmark Channels,” said Abbott. “As a founding executive of Hallmark Channel he made significant contributions to our early growth and success. His understanding of the evolving media landscape, his broad-based media relationships and his insights and savvy about the television business make him a major asset for us. This move is indicative of our belief in the tremendous value and role of strategic communications to our business. It also represents our strategy of bringing together the very best talent in the industry to continue to provide viewers with the highest quality family entertainment experience.”